The long-time community leader has announced that she will not seek a second term as mayor, capping an 18-year career at city hall in which she served as city councillor, borough mayor and most recently mayor of the reconstituted City of Westmount.
Marks made the announcement at a Monday morning press conference in a crowded city council chamber, surrounded by her family, City administrators, elected officials — including MNA Jacques Chagnon — and leaders of several community organizations.
"When I was elected (mayor) four years ago, I made a commitment to my family, who have supported me and often accepted my inability to be with them as much as I would have liked, and to myself, that this would be my final mandate," she said.
"I was comfortable with that decision then, as I am now. I am therefore announcing today that I will not be a candidate in the election this November. As remarkable as this experience has been, it is time now for me to reflect on what comes next, and then take on some new challenges."
Marks's decision to step down has the full support of her family. "After 18 years, there comes a time to move on," her husband, Brian Puddington, said with a smile. "I think Karin has chosen the right moment to move on."
In announcing her retirement from public office, Marks expressed her gratitude for the support and guidance she has received over the years.
"As I look around the room, I wish to salute the mayors and councillors with whom I have had the pleasure of working during my career. I am proud to have followed in the footsteps of Mayors (Brian) Gallery, (May) Cutler and (Peter) Trent. Each of those I’ve known has been an outstanding mentor."
She also singled out former director general Bruce St. Louis and his successor, current Director General Duncan Campbell, for special thanks. "I have learned much from both of you and am indebted to the two of you for your wise counsel and support," she said.
Though admitting that there is still a lot of catching up to do when it comes to the City's finances, Marks pointed out that things are steadily improving. "When I ran to be the first mayor of the reconstituted City of Westmount, I was clear that our top priority would be to put our financial house in order — and we have done that," she said. "As part of the merged city of Montreal, our taxes had increased by 8 to 9 per cent annually. Since 2006, our tax increases have consistently been less than that of the cost of living. "Prior to merger we had only $10 million in debt because we had a history of paving our streets on a pay-as-you-go basis; we did not want our children and grandchildren to inherit an unreasonable financial burden. During merger, we lost that capacity and had little money to do the needed work. After those four years, we were also left with a $37 million debt. Now we have started to reinvest in both the water and street network and to re-implement our pay-as-you-go program."
Those who have worked closely with Marks over the years were quick to praise her dedication to the community.
"Citizen of Westmount will miss the hard work, dedication and loyalty of a person that I'm happy to call a friend and neighbour," said Dr. Henry Olders of the Westmount Municipal Association. "I wish Karin good luck and best wishes in all her future endeavours."
"Having served 10 years on council with Karin, I don't think I've ever met a more honest, hard-working person who was so dedicated — dedicated to her job and to her community," said city councillor John de Castell, who also served on Westmount's borough council under Marks during the megacity period. "She did an exceptional job protecting Westmount during the merger years, and of course successfully led us out of the megacity horror. I'm sure the whole community will be sad to see someone of her calibre leaving the municipal scene.
"But we can't be selfish," de Castell added. "She's earned her retirement."
As for the next three months, Marks said she intends to keep up the same level of hard work she has put in throughout her term.
"I don’t intend to be a lame duck mayor as my mandate draws to a close," she said. "There is still time and a need for more hard work. Nor am I retiring from community life. I am a true Westmounter, born and bred. Community and public service is in my blood. My intention is simply to channel my energy and my commitment to social change differently."
Marks's imminent departure raises the question of who will step forward to run in November, but her husband does not see this as a problem. "There won't be a void," Puddington said. "There are many high-quality Westmounters out there."
Photo: Martin C. Barry
